Give Kids A Smile Provides Free Dental Care to Children Nationwide

With more than two decades of experience as a dentist, Dr. Angela Crincoli provides care and education to underserved children as a member of the dental staff for Kindersmile Foundation in New Jersey. Dr. Angela Crincoli also volunteers her time with Give Kids A Smile, a national program launched by the American Dental Association (ADA) to provide children with free oral health services. 

Give Kids A Smile kicks off each year with an annual event held on the first Friday in February. During these events, dentists and volunteers offer oral treatments, screenings, and education to underserved children at no cost. The program is a crucial component of the ADA’s Action for Dental Health, a community-based movement focused on ending America’s dental health crisis. Give Kids A Smile specifically addresses three areas of the movement: caring for people with untreated diseases; enhancing the public safety net; and fostering disease prevention and education. 

Implemented nationwide by the ADA in 2003, the program began as a single event hosted by Dr. Jeff Dalin and Dr. B. Ray Storm in St. Louis. They held the event in a run-down dental clinic scheduled for demolition and treated nearly 400 children. Its success led the ADA to adopt the idea and transform it into a nationwide movement. Since its inception, the program has treated more than 5.5 million children. Thousands of dentists and volunteers participate every year.

How Sugar Damages Children's Teeth

Dr. Angela Crincoli practices as a dentist with the Kindersmile Foundation of Bloomsfield, New Jersey, which provides dental care to children from underserved families. As part of her duties, Dr. Angela Crincoli helps parents and guardians understand the factors that impact their children's oral health.

Children naturally love sugar, but eating it can cause lasting harm to both baby teeth and permanent teeth. When a person chews candy and sugary foods, the sugar interacts with the bacteria that naturally live in the mouth. This chemical reaction produces acid, which leaches away the minerals that keep tooth enamel strong and healthy.

As the enamel loses mineral deposits, it begins to decay, and tiny holes, called cavities, begin to form. If left untreated, the decay can progress to the inner layers of the teeth and may cause damage extending to the roots, or can even cause premature tooth loss. 

Experts recommend that parents and guardians limit their children's consumption of sugar as much as possible and promote regular brushing and flossing. Drinking plenty of water can help wash away harmful bacteria and help the mouth to repair any damage that does occur. 

Children may still indulge in treats from time to time, but the consumption should be quick rather than lingering. Protective brushing should happen afterward, but not sooner than 45 minutes after the child finishes the treat.